Bible Pathways - Aug. 15, 2008
August 15
Highlights In Today's Reading:
The horrifying prophecy concerning the devastating disaster from the north (4:6). The cries of Judah under judgment.(4:31). The heartache of Jeremiah for the sins of Jerusalem are seen through his tears. And in Chapter 6 God warns the people of imminent destruction and their last chance for salvation (6:16).
A horrifying vision of the Holy Land being utterly devastated was foretold by the prophet Jeremiah. Vivid as all this was to his perception, the national leaders refused to listen to his warnings. This people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart. . . . Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God (5:23-24). They continued in their sinful activities and idolatry while sudden destruction was speeding toward them. Jeremiah was overwhelmed with what he foresaw; his whole being was filled with grief at the vision of slavery which none but himself believed. The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof? (5:31).
There is no possession more precious or priceless than liberty. And on the other hand, nothing is more depressing and degrading than slavery. It robs a man of the power to make his own decision, of being and doing what he chooses.
Sin slowly but surely gains mastery over a person. The struggling soul finds itself utterly helpless, sold under sin, a captive, a slave. The redemption of Christ restores liberty and sets one free from the binding power of sin. In union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection, you can be free from the dominion or power of sin. Sin shall not have dominion over you (Romans 6:14).
Those who are captive have innumerable complaints of insufficient strength to do God's will, unsuccessful effort, disappointed hopes, and continual failure. Paul cried out about this tragic condition of defeat and frustration: O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (7:24). Thank God! There is a deliverance. There is liberty. It is by His light and leading that the Holy Spirit grants this liberty as our possession, for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (II Corinthians 3:17). However, we are not made free that we may choose our own way of life, but we are made free from the guilt and penalty of sin, free to follow the leading of the Lord in full service.
In the last days. . . . Men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (II Timothy 3:2-4).
Thought for Today:
Reading and obeying God's Word keeps us from the destructive results of sin.
Christ Portrayed:
By Jeremiah, whom God commissioned to reveal His truth (Jeremiah 4:2). Jesus shall one day judge all mankind with His Truth (Psalm 96:13). Jesus said: To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth My voice (John 18:37).
Word Studies:
4:6 retire, stay not =b> go in haste, don't delay; 4:22 sottish =b> devoid of spiritual understanding; 5:10 battlements =b> branches; 5:13 wind =b> full of words, but speaking nothing from God; 5:30 wonderful =b> monstrous, shocking; 6:30 reprobate silver =b> old and worn out.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Spanish International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in honor of our American Troops at war • Staff: Bernice Rathbone • Government Officials: Rep. Judy Biggert (IL), Justice Stephen Breyer, Del. Eni Faleomavaega (American Samoa), Rep. Tim Mahoney (FL), and Rep. Maxine Waters (CA) • Country: Bulgaria (8.2 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Bulgarian and ethnic languages • Newly opened to evangelism • 85% Eastern Orthodox; 12% Muslim Sunni; 1% Shi'a Muslim; .6% Catholic; .27% Protestant; .1% Armenian Gregorian; .03% Jewish; 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Bless the Lord that His Word is absolutely trustworthy (I Kings 8:56).
Optional Reading: 1 Peter 5
Memory Verse for the Week: 2 Corinthians 4:17
